Named after the chateau of Empress Josephine, this rose has cup-shaped pale pink flowers fading to white at the edges. The flowers are borne singly or in small clusters and are quilled and quartered. The petals are thin and soft so the flowers are easily damaged by rain. The stems are almost thornless and the leaves are large, glossy and prone to both black spot and mildew in damp climates. The bush is not vigorous and needs time to develop with only very light or no pruning. Souvenir de la Malmaison has given rise to four sports: ‘Leweson Gower’ (mid pink), ‘Kronprinzessin Victoria’ (white), ‘Souvenir de St. Anne’s (semi-single, white), and ‘Climbing Souvenir de la Malmaison’ (light pink).
Type: Bourbon
Origin: Beluze, France,1843
Parentage: Probably ‘Mme, Desprez x ‘Devoniensis’
Flower Size: 5”
Petal Count: Double
Scent: Strong, tea-like, sweet and fruity
Flowering: Flushes
Plant Size: 2-6’ H x 3-6’ W
Hardiness: Zone 6
ARS Rating: 8.7
Awards: World Old Rose Hall of Fame 1991
Karen Meyers